Walker to push for vouchers on report cards, says all tribes must agree to new casino, open to other tax cuts

By AP&nbsp|&nbsp

Posted: Thu 5:40 PM, Feb 28, 2013

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Gov. Scott Walker says he will support legislation requiring that private voucher schools be included in the same accountability system that applied to public schools, including annual report cards rating performance.

Walker didn't include that in his state budget. But on Thursday Walker said he would back separate legislation making vouchers subject to the report card.

Walker is proposing an expansion of the voucher program in his state budget. Based on his criteria, nine schools would qualify initially but that could increase.

A task force Walker created last year recommended including voucher schools in the report card, but the Legislature didn't require it.

One criticism of voucher schools by their opponents is that they aren't held to the same reporting requirements as public schools.--------------------MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Gov. Scott Walker says all 11 Wisconsin tribes must agree before any new off-reservation casino is opened in the state.

Walker told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel editorial board on Thursday that tribes must be unanimous before approving a new off-reservation casino. Walker says that is "absolutely" a "difficult wall to hurdle."

Walker's approval is required under federal law before any tribe can open an off-reservation casino.

Walker's comments are a blow to the Menominee tribe's effort since the 1990s to open an off-reservation casino in Kenosha.

The Potawatomi tribe has long been fighting the proposal for fear it would cut into business in their Milwaukee casino.-----------------------MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Gov. Scott Walker says he's open to other tax cuts beyond the $343 million income tax reduction he is proposing in his state budget.

Walker told reporters Thursday that he is open to listening to proposals from lawmakers who are looking at other tax cuts beyond what he is calling for. Walker's income tax cut is a major part of his two-year budget plan he introduced last week.

Walker says he is willing to negotiate with Assembly Republicans who have been studying a variety of tax changes.

Walker's income tax cut would cut the lowest three tax brackets, but those who earn more than $90,000 a year would receive more than 50 percent of the benefit. The average decrease for all taxpayers would be $83.

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